Genomic Regions Linked to Spontaneous Abortion in Holstein Heifers
Author Information
Author(s): Emaly M. Suarez, Victoria C. Kelson, Jennifer N. Kiser, Kimberly M. Davenport, Brenda M. Murdoch, Holly L. Neibergs
Primary Institution: Washington State University
Hypothesis
This study aims to identify the genomic regions and genes associated with spontaneous abortion in heifers bred by artificial insemination or serving as embryo transfer recipients.
Conclusion
The identification of loci associated with spontaneous abortion in heifers bred by artificial insemination may help reduce fetal loss through genomic selection.
Supporting Evidence
- The incidence of spontaneous abortion in AI-bred heifers was found to be 4.2%.
- 216 loci and 413 positional candidate genes were associated with spontaneous abortion in AI-bred heifers.
- The average relative risk for spontaneous abortion associated with the most significant SNP was 1.9.
- Spontaneous abortion in Holstein dairy cattle leads to greater culling rates and decreased milk production.
Takeaway
This study looked at why some pregnant cows lose their babies and found specific genes that might help prevent this from happening in the future.
Methodology
A genome-wide association analysis was performed to identify associations with spontaneous abortion in heifers bred by artificial insemination and embryo transfer.
Limitations
No loci were found associated with spontaneous abortion in embryo transfer recipient heifers.
Participant Demographics
Nulliparous Holstein heifers from a dairy farm in Idaho.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 2.32 × 10−5 for AI heifers; p = 4.28 × 10−7 for ET recipients
Statistical Significance
FDR p < 0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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